McGowan Excess & Casualty
Trade Contractors Umbrella Insurance
Overview of the Program From The McGowan Companies
The McGowan Companies offers a focused Trade Contractors Umbrella Insurance program through McGowan Excess & Casualty, designed for agents and brokers seeking excess liability capacity for trade and artisan contractor clients. Whether your insureds perform commercial construction, municipal subcontracting, or specialty residential work, this program delivers the additional layer of liability protection needed to meet contractual obligations and to protect against catastrophic loss.
As a Managing General Underwriter with broad market access, McGowan combines underwriting expertise and flexible placement options to address the varied exposures of trade contractors. The program is available in most states and is commonly placed on a non-admitted basis where appropriate.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program targets a wide range of trade contractors working in residential, commercial, and light industrial construction. Eligible classes include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Paving and grading contractors
- Cable installation
- HVAC contractors
- Drywall and flooring installation
- Landscaping and painting
- Septic tank installation
- Solar panel installation
- Sewer and water main contractors
- Swimming pool contractors
- Tile, plastering, and masonry
- Concrete, carpentry, roofing, and siding
If you have a client installing commercial solar arrays who needs higher limits for contract compliance, or a subcontractor working on a municipal sewer project requiring layered excess capacity, this program is built to provide the necessary umbrella limits and flexible layering.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Commercial Umbrella Liability – Provides an additional layer of liability protection above qualifying underlying policies.
- Follow Form Excess Liability – Can follow form over eligible lead umbrellas for streamlined terms and consistency.
- Limits – Umbrella limits begin at $1MM with capacity up to $100MM. Excess layers can be placed from $1MM to $100MM over existing lead umbrellas.
Terms are structured to accommodate high-exposure projects and strict contractual insurance requirements while remaining competitive for the trade segment.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Requirements
Underwriters typically require underlying carriers to be rated A- / VII or better; limited exceptions may be considered for Employers Liability (EL) carriers. McGowan’s team evaluates each submission on its individual merits and is known for practical, creative approaches to structuring layered excess programs. Response times are generally quick when submissions are complete and clearly documented.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in most states across the U.S., including but not limited to: CA, FL, NY, TX, IL, GA, and PA. Coverage availability and admitted versus non-admitted options may vary by jurisdiction and carrier selection.
Why Work With The McGowan Companies?
The McGowan Companies bring decades of casualty and umbrella underwriting experience, strong market relationships, and access to both admitted and non-admitted capacity. Agents and brokers benefit from McGowan’s underwriting sophistication, speed to market, and willingness to tailor layered solutions that help clients meet contract and project requirements.
Contact McGowan to discuss specific submissions and to determine how their Trade Contractors Umbrella Insurance program can help you place larger-limit excess liability for your contractor accounts.